My first Gold Dollar honing
Ok. So through this forum I learned of a cheap razor that could actually take and possibly hold an edge called a gold dollar that was good to practice honing on. I ordered one and got it on Monday. I figured for the price I could do just about anything to it without worries and I was right.
I ground down down the high points (including the stabilizer) and went to work with a cheap oil stone I have for knives. It took a few times doing 40 circles and 10 X strokes per side using pretty heavy pressure but I was able to set the bevel rather quickly. I then went to a Guangxi stone and built a slight slurry and progressed to light pressure with only water. Finished with CrOX and leather strop and it was as sharp as my dovo after my first attempt honing that!! I just shaved this morning with it and after 3 passes and a clear water pass I had a DFS going on that was comfortable too. I was very impressed!
Now the razors scales are cheap plastic and don't line up and it closes off center so if I'm not careful it will catch a side so you definitely get what you pay for but it is ideal to learn to hone and try different techniques on. I'm very happy I got it and may get another at some point or maybe a double arrow.